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Solvent Welding Services & Solutions

At Plastic Fabrication Solutions, we have the advanced technology and experience needed to chemically weld plastic composites. With our solvent welding services, quality and durability are our top priorities.

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What is Solvent Welding?

 

Solvent welding – also known as solvent bonding or chemical welding – allows polymer materials to be welded at room temperature with the use of a solvent. A solvent is applied to both pieces being joined, temporarily softening and dissolving the surfaces of the materials. The components are fitted together under pressure, making the surface molecules form entangled polymer chains. After the solvent thoroughly permeates the plastic components and evaporates, a solid mass is formed. This results in a strong plastic bond that is fluid tight.

Why Consider Solvent Welding

 

Solvent Welding is the simplest, most effective and most economical way of joining plastic material with weld strengths approaching that of the parent material.

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Benefits

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  • Simple

  • Inexpensive

  • Durable joints

  • Little or no weld flashes

  • High weld strength

When joining two plastic components together, many different industries turn to solvent welding for the solution.

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  • Signage

  • Display

  • Retail

  • Furniture

  • Construction

  • Medical

  • Automotive

  • Fabrication

  • Military

  • Medical

  • Food and beverage

  • Industrial containment

Solvent welding is so common, you likely see products of this process in your every-day life. From local stores to the car in your garage, solvent welding is used in the medical equipment needed when you get sick and the side table where you set your coffee in the morning. Common applications include:

  • Displays and signage

  • Acrylic furniture

  • Awards

  • Aquariums

  • Seasonal gifts

  • Weddings

  • Display cases: museums, artwork

  • Toys

  • Tamperproof housings

  • Utility meters

  • Medical devices

Common Solvents

 

When choosing a solvent, the first thing to consider is the compatibility of the polymers and solvents. Compatibility can be achieved by using parts made from the same polymer, combining similar polymers with a common solvent, or using solvent formulas which apply solvents in different forms that change the evaporation rate or viscosity of the solvent solution. Examples of solvents used by Plastic Fabrication Solutions include:

  • Weld-on #3 – Displays, Signage, Artwork, etc.

  • Weld-on #4 - Displays, Signage, Artwork, etc.

  • Weld-on #16 – Higher end Furniture

  • Weld-on #40/45 – Industrial Signage, High End Furniture, Aquariums

  • Perma-Bond – Museums, Displays, Signage, Artwork, Furniture

  • Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)

  • Cyclohexanone

  • Methylene chloride

  • Tetrahydrofuran

  • Ethyl acetate

  • Acetone

  • Toluene

Choosing the proper solvent – as well as appropriate surface preparation and ventilation techniques – during the fabrication processes will help minimize cracking and crazing.​

Why choose Plastic Fabrication for your solvent welding needs?

 

Solvent welding requires experienced skill and craftsmanship to perfect. We have the experience to choose the right solvent for each project and we pride ourselves on our durable plastic bonds.

 

Plastic Fabrication Services has many years of experience providing solvent welding solutions and will work directly with our customers to choose one of our many different solvent welding techniques. We have a combined 25 years of experience in plastic fabrication and our fabricators are truly masters of their craft. This mastery of solvent welding makes all the difference.

 

In addition to solvent welding, Plastic Fabrication Solutions offers turnkey manufacturing services.

 

Our capabilities include:

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  • CNC Machining

  • Edge beveling

  • Edge polishing

  • Engraving

  • Manual routing

  • Thermoforming

 

Work with Plastic Fabrication Solutions for high-quality solvent welding solutions. We inspect every product before it leaves our facility and audit each order for accuracy. Additionally, we will work with you to develop a custom shipping solution that truly fulfills your needs.

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